Model years
 

I have a friend looking at an Diesel 2008 model XC90, which engine colour cover would it have, and would this year have the troublesome throttle butterflies on the inlet, and the water leak onto the ECU?
I know the issues but not sure what models starting having the troubles, didn't want him to buy into to much trouble.
John

Ensure you get a facelift

Facelift has silver engine cover, and square tallights (indicator and reverse)

Then the majority of issues are solved

Is the 2008 before these particular issues?
John

John,

I am not too sure any model (163BHP, 185 BHP or 200BHP are better than the other - maybe the later 200BHP is).

My understanding is that the 163 is the last of the ‘old school’ engines pre DPF however he swirlflap/injector issues (I am not sure). They also feature a bevel gear for the drive train which WILL fail and WILL cost a fortune. Far more than a DPF.

The 185 is much more modern, uses the more reliable drive train without Bevel gear and is a swift engine. It is however very fuel in efficient and costs £550 a year to tax.

The 200BHP has the later 6 speed AW gearbox which with regular fluid changes is bullet proof, reliable swift engine and good fuel economy. Given the latest 200BHP versions are still 7-10 years old you really need to be judging on condition rather than model.

I will say talking to people that owned the 163 mode they deride it’s performance telling me they suffered foot to the floor poor acceleration and cruising constantly.

Oooooo....not true.
The 163hp is a sweetie!
No swirls flaps or DPF. Probably smoother than the later engines. Not lacking in power though for most situations. I use mine for towing a BIG caravan (1.85t) with no problems at all.
The splined sleeve issue in the bevel gear only applies to MY2003/2004 and most (if not all) have been fixed by now.
The 2005 163hp is at a sweet spot!

Here we go....

Feb 2003 model launch - 163 BHP engine (black engine cover), ultra reliable, super smooth, most economical, average 5-speed gearbox. No DPF, throttle body or swirl flaps.

2006 Model Year (sold late 2005) - 185 BHP engine (grey cover), less reliable (but not unreliable) mainly due to extra complexity around Euro 4 emissions equipment - swirl flaps, DPF filter. Less refined and less economical but better 6-speed auto gearbox.

2007 Model Year - cosmetic facelift, new rear lights, more colour coding on bumpers, more discreet wheel arches, interior spec upgrade. Same engines and gearboxes.

2012 Model Year (sold late 2011) revised 200 BHP engine, slight improvements in refinement and generally more economical and reliable than 185. Further cosmetic improvements, LED rear lights

So 2008 will be facelift 185 - yes it has swirl flaps but as does ANY Volvo D5 with a Euro 4 engine - V50, V70, S60 etc. sometimes gives trouble but many engines go full life with no issues.

Watch out for high road tax though...

Hi, from an 03xc90 owner I agree.

It is not the bevel gear but the small splined shaft that fails. This was updated for many 06 onwards models but the shaft can still fail as you will see evidenced by later model owners on this forum. Mine had failed a couple of years ago and the replacement is the uprated shaft.

My previous volvo was an ex police persuit car with 238bhp v70. Although a tad faster acceleration, I experience little difference in overall power. I also tow but use a four wheel trailer when I do, often with another car or boat on it. I have never experienced lack of power, but it is a heavy old lump.

I also never had leaking skuttle but have had leaky sunroof drains due to failed neoprene drain pipe.

But I never had dpf issues! something I read much more more about. But then perhaps most spline drives are fixed or owners don't care in any case. Again my suggestion is to get a model with the options you value but be prepared for more expensive fixed based on a heavy and much more expensive car, whatever year. Mine has all the 'fruit' and with these oprio s just under £60k. But most of all clean inside and out with proven service history.

When these cars get older, there are some owners who just get rid rather than fixing problems that have hung around for years. Read mot history, a good sign that an owner is fixing problems.

I will go electric when I do change, but after four years just imagine how much depreciation I have saved with my old lump.

Best advice whatever with any volvo, invest in a good diagnostic tool such as vida and keep reading the forums!

John L

^^^^^^^^^^ that!

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting a replacement for my 2004 D5. I've seen a 2011 XC90 2.4 D5. It's an R design 200. registered June 2011.

Is this the model without DPF issues? Any other issues I should be concerned about?
Anybody know how much the road tax is?
Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tony

The road tax (VED) was lower from around 2008 after Volvo made some changes to get the emissions down. The 200bhp is definitely lower, I pay the same £28odd a month for our 2012 as I did for our manual 2005 car. They do have a dpf but I’ve not had any issues as yet but do do a mix of driving with very little, if any, stop start. The feel of the engine is similar it feels more flexible than the older 163. Otherwise they feel very similar overall. Our neighbour also went from a 54 plate to a 2012.